Chain in train to go!

The ubiquitous ‘To stop train pull chain’ sign in trains across the country could soon be phased out. The Indian Railway Ministry has reportedly decided to do away with the age-old system of chains for the use of emergency breaks in trains. The decision comes after the ministry declared that the railways suffer up to Rs 3000 crore in losses because trains ran late due to indiscriminate chain-pulling by passengers.

According to the ministry, most of the delays in trains are caused when chains are pulled by the passengers, not because of an emergency, but for personal reasons like stopping the train where they want. The decision will see the ministry removing the existing chains from the coaches.

Going forward, the phone numbers of the driver and the assistant drivers will be provided to the passengers who can contact them in case of an emergency. Also, one employee carrying a walkie-talkie would be present for every three coaches in each train.